No one wants to be un-neighborly, so it's understandable that you took the risk despite your instinct.
It's really a tough call… but I'd say you don't have the obligation to answer, especially it is really late already. It IS weird to greet new neighbors at that hour.
One night two years ago I opened my door (also reluctantly) for a guy (on a bicycle!) who introduced himself as Patrick. Claiming that he was from a church nearby, he was accidentally locked himself out, and a locksmith was there helping him unlock, but he was 4 dollars short. So I (kindly, or stupidly) went upstairs to fetch 4 dollars. When I handed him 4 dollars, he revised and said "No, not 4 dollars. 14 dollars." Caught off guard, I actually gave him 14 dollars (readers, please applaud for my naivete). He said he would pay me back. Of course he didn't. That night I went online and found out that he had been going to different neighborhoods (from Beacon Hill to North Seattle) pulling the exact same tricks, even using the same name Patrick.
What you experienced may not be the same person. What I am trying to say is that if it doesn't feel right, don't do it.
koalab (guest) 30 Sep 2012 06:55
